Schroth Physiotherapy

What is The Schroth Method?

The Schroth Method is the internationally recognized gold standard for Physiotherapy treatment of scoliosis and Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, and is supported by SOSORT (Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Treatment).

Physiotherapists and Registered Massage Therapists at The ScoliClinic are trained in the Schroth principles, and they use these complex and curve-specific exercises to help you find a more neutral postural alignment, then strengthen your muscles in that more neutral alignment.

Schroth Method Treatment utilizes carefully chosen exercise positioning and set-up using equipment and props to optimally elongate and align your shoulders, ribcage, lower back, and pelvis.

Breathing techniques are performed using 3-dimensional cues, to help lengthen, expand, and decompress areas of the trunk. As scoliosis and Scheuermann’s Kyphosis may affect the position of the ribs and diaphragm, breathing exercises are a way to activate these muscles in a way that supports your curve.

In asymmetrical conditions such as scoliosis, the muscles on both sides of the spine are affected in different ways. In Schroth Method exercises, therapists use a range of muscle activation techniques to strengthen your muscles in a curve-specific way. Depending on your goals, your therapist may integrate functional exercises to help you lift, bend, and reach. As your treatment plan progresses, curve-specific modifications and cues may also be provided to help you with your sports and activities.

Health concerns, geographical distance, or scheduling challenges may present barriers for you to access treatment.

We offer scoliosis-specific Physiotherapy treatments using the Schroth principles via virtual appointments called Telehealth, and you can choose your combination of in-person or virtual visits that work best for you.

Watch this video below to get an idea of what Schroth exercises at The ScoliClinic are like, whether done in-person or virtually.

Are you from out-of-town?

We’re aware that most cities in the world have few conservative treatment options for people with scoliosis. If you are:

• diagnosed with scoliosis or Scheuermann’s Kyphosis,
• Motivated to access scoliosis-specific treatment, and
• Residing outside of Vancouver…

…then Intensive Treatment Blocks are a great option.

Many of our clients work with us to learn scoliosis-specific exercises to implement at home.

Intensive Treatment Structure

Option 1: If you’re planning to come to the lower mainland regardless, we recommend booking 8-10 hours of treatment with your physiotherapist. Depending on the length of your stay, 2-4 hours per day is generally ideal to maintain maximal focus throughout the sessions.

Option 2: If you’d like to minimize your stay in the city, the first 3-4 hours of sessions can successfully be completed via virtual physiotherapy sessions to determine exactly how many hours of in-person treatment you may require. The remaining 4-6 hours would be in-person with your physiotherapist at a time that works for you. Depending on the length of your stay, 2-4 hours per day is generally ideal to maintain maximal focus throughout the sessions.

During this time, you’ll learn:

• in-depth details about your curve
• recommendations on day-to-day activities, and sport/hobby modifications
• Schroth Method corrective positions best suited for you
• curve-specific muscle activation and breathing techniques in the corrective positions
• suggested equipment to set up your home exercise area
• appropriate core and flexibility exercises to suit your needs

You will leave with a resource binder (physical or electronic) full of detailed home exercise photos and descriptions to maximize your efforts at home.

After returning home: Continue your treatment via virtual sessions. Continue working closely with your therapist to ask questions, check your technique, and progress exercises.